My Candy Pop

The one is on his 40’s and the other one has just turned his 20s. That is 20 years difference and in between those gaps is me - turning 30. I am talking about two of beautiful persons I have met in my life. They are extremely opposite to one another both in age and character but inside my heart they form a singular sphere of happiness - to me alone.

He is Mr BULALO addict, married, a daddy of a cute little princess and an airport maker. McRoy, as fondly called by his colleagues and friends, doesn’t have an artistahun looks, at least in my self-made standard, but he’s alluring sex appeal created a jolt of appreciation by the girls and bekis alike. Even the grannies can still be persuaded to like him. When I started to work at ESSU, I didnt pay attention anything about his popularity in school. Maybe because my full attention was concentrated on improving myself as a teacher. But his name was somewhat resonating in my head because his was too familiar to me. When I recollected my memory I knew then that I was right - he was the MC Jr we stalked wayback in highschool. I giggled the idea that my long time crush and the man of my dream was in fact my officemate. It didnt take long when we were finally introduced to one another. The good thing was we worked in the same department and he was handling a graphic design subject for mass communication students. Oh Man! That was it. That was the tip off point to finally get to know the person very well, to have had an access to his moves and actions, to whatever he does - just everything about him. I was literally and figuratively back into stalking once again. I even tried to steal a picture of him just to have it placed in my wallet and for me to indulge looking at his handsome face. That’s not yet the highlights of our blooming relationship as FRIENDS (lol). On 2013, ESSU hosted the regional scuaa meet. Different task force was organized to facilitate efficient and faster work assignment. Makel and I were assigned in the same group which will make a video presentation for different night activities. At first i was kind of hesitant to join the group since i was the only one who came from a different college - the rest of my team belong to CET. But i learned not to be intimidated by their presence. I was amenable to be working with them despite the strange feelings i have inside especially to Mcroy. I feel awkward at that very moment since i couldnt even looked directly to his eyes. I have this gut feeling that he knew already i have had a huge crush with him; only that he can handle very well not to be too conceited. As we proceeded to our assignment, he even cracked a joke just to make me feel at ease at times which i graciously accepted even the corniest one. One of the most remarkable moment that we were together was when we visited the different municipalities to take shots for our video presentation. He was always too generous to buy snacks for his teammates. Inside a van when he felt that we were too sleepy, he would blurt out with a noise or even fabricate stories just anything around that he could think of. But never had it been annoying to me. I always got carried away with his charm and his presence made me happy everyday. After the SCUAA, we got even closer to one another. During fridays after work, we usually go for a bottle of two or more in Baybay or at their house just to relax and unwind. Oftentimes he would insist to pay the bills or take charge for our drinking session if he has extra money inside his pocket. Beyond that charm looks, Makel is such a caring person, a true friend, honest and a family man. He never talked about girls in his past nor would you learn about him having an affair with someone. His sense of humor is his weapon to make someone enticed to appreciate his whole personality. He was never judgmental to anyone and I for one is a living testimony that he never humiliate homosexual individuals. He got many beki friends in and outside ESSU but I am fortunate enough that his treatment to me is beyond platonic; it is special in every sense of a word. There were many times that he had opened up about what he feels and what he envisioned about his life and his family. I took it extremely flattering since a guy usually not open with someone who has a different sexual orientation. May be he was just too comfortable with my presence and whatever it is, I will keep that trust bestowed on me. I hope our friendship will continue to flourish as time goes by. I don’t expect anything in return from him, not even his love, because I know where i have to stand in a situation like this. What I wish for is his continual connection to me - wired, virtual and better yet, in flesh. That admiration will never fade as long as I breath. Thank you for all the good memories!


Okay, let us now proceed to the other person who skip my heart a beat during summer and even, ahem, until now. His name is Keith Baquilod, 23 years old, chinito look with a dark-thick eyebrow and perfectly molded nose. His only downside is that he is not that tall which I thought at first was a major turnoff. But his sharp eyes and all that on his face was the qualities that made me attracted to him. We first met in a disco bar together with his two other friends. I was about to leave the area when i saw them at the parking lot trying to discuss on something. I don’t know what drove me to introduce myself but next thing to happen i already offered them a drink inside the bar. We easily got along together and even ordered few more bottles of beer. Next thing we knew it was already past 4 in the morning and that we have decided to part our ways. The next day I incessantly requested his friend to go for a picnic in Linao - Boronganons perfect getaway place due to its relaxing view of the river which is just a kilometer away from home - but to no avail. I knew they were still intoxicated by the volume of alcohol we consumed that night. Days passed, Keith and I still didn’t see each other after that last incident in the bar. I was too eager to meet him once again that i have to ask a number of him from his friend which was graciously sent to me by the latter. I immediately texted Keith and asked if he was okay. My heart was pounding erratically the first time i received a reply from him. What followed next was a long queue of conversation as we exchange text messages every day. As time progressed, I was already trying to build a relationship not only with him but also to his circle of friends. Every time they have a drinking session, I was invited by them. The good thing about Keith and his friends, was that they were not taken me for granted. They bought their own drinks and never insisted me to pay for their bills every time we go out. They waited for me to shell out my money if I was the one who insisted it. I remember the time when I invited to chill and indulge some booze at home. He was so drunk and even asked him to stay at home until morning since he could no longer drive his bike by his own. That was the moment where I got to see his other side - he was funny. I enjoyed his company and the company of his friends - although sometimes i could not relate much of the things they talked about. But the idea of having them as my friends was somewhat refreshing to me. I could jive easily to their trips and other kulitan moments. It didn’t hit me that i was too old for them nor I felt awkward every time I dance with them in a bar. That was the perks of having such as a young heart. I never felt so insecure about my age as long as I am having a blast with the people who trust and believe in me.

Keith is now chasing after his dreams. I am hoping someday he will get his wishes - for himself and for his family - a good career and eventually, a good life. May our friendship will continue to flourish as well. I remain his true friends and that is a PROMISE TO KEEP.